With Sevens season upon us this edition of the Rugby Players Association Players’ Own Magazine has been put together with input from the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team. PLAYERS PERSPECTIVE apart from hanging my head down and my recovery. To say I was happy to see I had a stroke on the looking quite pale. her was an understatement! Her arrival I had to practise the smallest tasks like in the wee hours of the Monday morning training field - thank learning to make a coffee and walking. I was a highlight in my life changing ordeal. goodness. MICHAEL was definitely luckier than other stroke Our team’s Personal Development patients as I didn’t have to learn to eat Manager (PDM) Kylie Sousa and the LAWRENSON and talk again, but I did spend more time NZRPA staff were on the ball and provided sleeping than ever before. great support. Kylie took charge of the T WAS A NORMAL THURSDAY It was very stressful and terrifying, but situation and liaised with all the parties MORNING IN SEPTEMBER. I WAS the support I was given by my team involved to keep them informed. She TRAINING WITH MY COUNTIES including the medical staff, the New ensured I was getting the best care MANUKAU ITM CUP TEAM AND Zealand Rugby Players Association possible and provided 24hr support to my AFTERI THE SESSION, I BEGAN FEELING (NZRPA) and the Counties Manukau fiancée and I. EXTREME NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS. to date has been unreal. She also checked on me and helped me LUCKILY WITH THE MEDICAL STAFF IN make plans ensuring my insurance claims CLOSE ATTENDANCE, I COLLAPSED AND were being processed and I was making AN AMBULANCE WAS CALLED AND I WAS plans for my recovery. RUSHED TO MIDDLEMORE HOSPITAL. My Karaka and Steelers rugby family were AT THE HOSPITAL I SUFFERED VIOLENT eager to support me. Once I was released NAUSEA AND VOMITING WHILE THE from hospital I moved in with a family who DOCTORS WORKED TO SEE WHAT THE I stayed with when I first arrived in New PROBLEM WAS. Zealand. They were just incredible with Initially the medical staff diagnosed my their love, support and generosity. For condition as an extreme case of vertigo, that I will be eternally grateful. however, an MRI revealed that I had The NZRPA and the family that I lived suffered a stroke. with took care of most things for me, In my case, it was a traumatic right which at the time would have been very vertebral artery dissection causing a overwhelming with my condition. predominantly right cerebellar stroke. Gema Hill from InsureYou was great. She When I look back on it, I am lucky to be MICHAEL LAWRENSON looks after all of the player’s insurance alive. Had this happened to me half an policies which are part of their playing hour later, I could have been alone or I My situation is quite unique. I was born could have been driving and it could have in South Africa but living in America and been fatal. playing rugby in New Zealand. How did I From the time it happened to the time end up playing in New Zealand? I was discharged by the hospital stroke I met the Steelers head coach, Tana team I had lost 13kg. I didn’t exactly Umaga, while he was in America have that weight to lose and it was mainly attending a seven-a-side tournament muscle which I had worked hard to get. in Philadelphia. He was looking for a tall, At 6.7ft my stature changed and I now mobile lock, and offered me a chance to moved with my head down as I felt very travel to New Zealand to play club rugby, vulnerable and unsafe on my feet. and then progress to ITM Cup. What I struggled with, apart from the During my time playing club rugby for excessive fatigue and the constant Karaka in Counties Manukau, my Dad had nausea, was the fact you couldn’t see passed away in South Africa. Sadly, my that I was sick from the outside. If I Mum had also passed with Cancer when I had a broken leg, arm or an external was 12, and so with no parents, the team At the age of 24 “You injury, people could see why I was acting Doctor got hold of my beautiful fiancée, have had a stroke’’ differently. However, simple tasks Alyssa, and kept her informed. She kept became daunting, like trying to stand my sister and brother in the loop. was not what I was while showering and making a sandwich. The NZRPA had arranged for Alyssa to fly expecting to hear. Besides this I looked relatively normal out from America and this was crucial to

40 // NZ RUGBY WORLD / 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW contracts. She took care of all my insurance needs and dealt with the crisis cover component of my policy. I am fortunate that my stroke was covered under one of the defined serious conditions on the Crisis Cover insurance policy. It wasn’t until this moment that I fully appreciated how important insurance was. I wasn’t really up to having many visitors as I was really struggling with the nausea and the whole situation of the limitations that having a stroke had caused. MATES FAREWELL MICHAEL LAWRENSON Recovery was an emotional day off, but it went away relatively to say goodbye to all the brothers. rollercoaster. I was feeling anxious, quickly. I should have mentioned I firmly believe that New Zealand was vulnerable and afraid of having this to our team Doctor but I didn’t the best country in the world for this another stroke, but those around me and my tip to any player is to let your to happen in because the support is knew it was important for me to talk team’s medical staff know about incredible and the medical system about it. I was provided fantastic anything that is going on, no matter was outstanding. psychological aid from Dr Stress (Dr. how small it may seem at the time. I am under no illusions that my John McEwan) who made home visits I also had every players’ worst recovery is a very, very, long, slow for me because I was too ill to make nightmare to deal with. I was facing process and it has been a very the trips in the car. the fact that I had been advised traumatic journey. Dr. McEwan’s experience and not to play contact sport again, as Much to my immense relief I was expertise gave me a lot of comfort it could be life threatening. David cleared to fly and Rob Nicol from and helped me to understand the Gibson, Player Services Manager the NZRPA and some of my Steelers emotional and physical process my from the NZRPA had been through family came to farewell me at the body was going through. My mental something similar so was able to help airport. health definitely played a crucial role me process that and provided useful I returned to America where I will in getting myself back to normal and insight. concentrate on my recovery and Dr. Stress was crucial in that process. With a medical science college building a future for my fiancée and I. My partner had to fly back to America degree background, I understood the I have an interest in coaching and to sit her own college exams and this severity of my situation. was fortunate to have done some was challenging but provided me with coaching qualifications as part of my extra motivation to get well enough However, the words “you Personal Development Programme to fly back. cannot play rugby again” in New Zealand so am keen to pursue gave me nightmares. that and to continue my studies in You go through and question the medical profession. ‘why did this happen to me There are two things that despite I am expected to make a full recovery and were there any signs being really difficult I did manage to and I am extremely grateful for that. that I should have taken do before I headed home. I took part However, it just goes to show how note of?’. in the team photo, (even though I important it is to have a life plan spewed quite a lot afterwards) and outside of rugby. Rugby is your plan I did have a terrible headache on attended the team’s prize giving. It B but your life is your plan A. the Monday morning which was our meant a lot to me to get the chance NZRPA Personal Development Managers Conference

Long Service Awards Congratulations to our long service award recipients from the Personal Development Programme Steve Symons /, Josh Blackie from the International Jason McKenzie Southland, Judy Rugby Players Association Clement /Waikato, Peter (IRPA) addresses the Personal Sinclair Highlanders/Otago and Development Managers from the Players getting ready for the

OUT & ABOUT David Gibson NZRPA Provincial Unions and Franchises. NZRPA AGM

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW / NZ RUGBY WORLD // 41 We asked our players to get into the festive spirit and here’s what they came up with.

PICTURES FROM THE PLAYERS

TALENI SEU AND MITCH ZIGGY FISIIHOI AND CALLUM BRYN HALL, KARPIK, CHIEFS RETALLICK, BAY OF PLENTY

ATU MOLI FROM WAIKATO NORTH HARBOUR REED PRINSEP AND JACK SHARES CHRISTMAS CHEER ACADEMY GOODHUE, CANTERBURY WITH REBECCA FOY

NZ WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT ON THEIR CULTURAL EVENING ON CAMP

42 // NZ RUGBY WORLD / 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW JASON MCKENZIE (SOUTHLAND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER), AND PETER SINCLAIR (HIGHLANDERS AND OTAGO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER) NZ MENS SEVENS TEAM

ONOSAI & AMY AUVA'A JAMES AND ELIJAH, COUNTIES MANUKAU SIONE LEA & FAMILY, TARANAKI

FESTIVE SEASON TIPS PLANNING ON Business partners Going Away? Make sure the car PLAYING OVERSEAS? you are travelling in is insured, If you are planning on playing registered and warranted. overseas you need to be cleared to If you are flying overseas play. register where you are travelling Here are two steps you need to follow. 1. The player has to fill out an International with safetravel.govt.nz so you Clearance Form which you get from your can be found in an emergency. Provincial Union. You also need to get your If you are travelling with mates Provincial Union to complete their part of the form. The Provincial Union then forwards the all put some money in a kitty for completed form to (NZR). petrol for the car. 2. New Zealand Rugby complete their part of Make sure you have sunscreen, the form and send to the host National Union wear a hat and keep well who will usually forward this to the club you are hydrated. going to. Look after your partners, mates NOTE the Clearance person at New Zealand Rugby only works two afternoons a week Preferential provider and yourself! 12.30-4.30pm so get that clearance done early! Any questions drop them a line at [email protected]

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW / NZ RUGBY WORLD // 43 Every year our members honour their best and brightest in the annual Players’ Choice awards. Here are the 2015 nominees:

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NZRPA ANNUAL PLAYER AWARDS 2015 NZRPA Player Awards 2015 NZRPA Player Awards Players’ Sevens Player of the Year Womens’ Player of the Year nominees are: nominees are:

Scott Curry Sam Dickson Joe Webber Sarah Goss

2015 NZRPA Player Awards 2015 NZRPA Player Awards Players’ Young Player of the Year Players’ Provincial Union Player of the Year nominees are: nominees are:

Mitch Karpik George Moala

Vaea Fifita Tevita Li 2015 NZRPA Player Awards Players’ Player of the Year nominees are:

Dan Carter Richie McCaw Nehe Milner-Skudder Ben Smith

44 // NZ RUGBY WORLD / 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW NZ WOMEN’S SEVEN’S PORTING SPOTLIGHT – from injury and played the best WORLD RUGBY WOMEN’S tournament of my career. I got SEVENS PLAYER OF THE great feedback from the coach YEAR - PORTIA WOODMAN. and felt really good. Our match S against Aussie was probably my Interesting Facts best personal performance for that • The 24-year-old Kaikohe tournament. born winger is a New Zealand What values are really important Sevens player and World Sevens to you? Champion, Black Fern and former To me having that family Northern Mystics player. connection, having discipline and • Portia is the highest scorer in New having fun. Zealand Rugby womens’ history What culturally is important to • She averages 8-12 tries a you? tournament I have been brought up in a proud • Portia was identified as part of the Maori Culture which has given me a go for gold campaign in 2013 while WORLD RUGBY WOMEN’S lot. Just because you can’t speak playing for the Northern SEVENS PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Te Reo doesn’t mean you can’t PORTIA WOODMAN Mystics. (1100 Athletes were embrace it and be proud – you can screened and she was one of the at the event, it made me feel very learn it on the way. I continue to stand outs) special and very proud. I could learn about my culture and can hold • Her Dad and Uncle played for the hear everyone commenting about conversations in Te Reo now and All Blacks in the 1980’s and her it as I walked on stage wearing the draw great strength from my Maori Mum’s side are also very talented Korowai and all I was worried about culture. in sports. was trying not fall over my broken What are you most looking What was it like winning the World shoes. forward to about Rio? Just being in the same company Rugby Women’s Sevens player of What is the standout of your as the world’s best athletes. (I am the Year Award career so far? I didn’t think I was going to win it, Probably watching the progression definitely going to try and get a as the other finalists are both such of my game particular from Dubai selfie with Usain Bolt!) consistent players. I was super Sevens in 2012 to this year. I hope Best bit of advice you can give ecstatic. I was super proud of the that growth continues. athletes? work that I had done and being Nothing is impossible. It doesn’t What was your favourite Sevens recognised for it. I would like to matter where you come from, you tournament? thank Ngati Ranaga who loaned me My favourite tournament was in can make it if you want to. the Korowai (cloak) that I wore China in 2013. I had come back

ON CAMP AT ECOLIGHT STADIUM, PUKEKOHE WHAT WE ARE WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO... LOOKING AT ON six60, Rudimental, Megan trainor, Sid Diamond, Sammy J, Sorry - FACEBOOK... Justin Bieber, White lines - Six60 NZ Sevens, NZ Olympic Team, Food is Reach for the stars - S Club 7, Everything, Ronda Rousey, Women’s Zero - Chris Brown, Hot linebling - Rugby NZ, Hair Braiding Spice Girls, Drake 2pac Twirking, The Block

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW / NZ RUGBY WORLD // 45 Now is the season of summer BBQ’s so here are two super easy options so you don’t arrive empty handed to the function.

BEST GIFTS EVER! QUICK & SIMPLE We asked some of the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team what were some of the best gifts they have ever received and here is what they had PLATE IDEAS! to say: Fruit Platter If you are in a hurry, struggle in the kitchen or : A box of scorched almonds and a lady transformer get a late call up to a BBQ, then this is for you! from my son Niall Williams: roller blades Stacey Waaka: A car Time: 5 minutes to prepare Morgan Morrow: Spiceworld the movie - with pulp shoes Hazel You will need: Watermelon, Seedless grapes, Strawberries, Tubic: S Club 7 tape ohhhh bring it all back to me! Shiray Tane: A Hershey’s kisses. A plate to put it on (the $2 horse Sarah Goss: a long board Alexis Tapsell: a monkey teddy bear shops have fun plates if you want to jazz it up). called Sammie Tyla Nathan-Wong: A gold necklace with a Chinese TIP: don’t have a plate too big as you will have pendent from my grandparents. It has a special meaning to me. to buy a heap of fruit! Ruby Tui: Time with family all together, very special especially when Method: Wash the fruit. Put the you fill your time up trying to chase all these dreams lol.Charlotte strawberries on the plate and Arnopp-Scanlan: Home made photo board Huriana Manual: Trip to sprinkle the Hershey’s Kisses Japan Portia Woodman: Spending it with Whanau Jordon Webber: A over them. Add the grapes. nutribullet : Having all her family together on the day Cut the watermelon into wedges and then into fingers. Put on plate and you are DONE! AFFORDABLE GIFT IDEAS Get organised and buy your Christmas gifts early.

Curried Eggs Cheap and high in DO A BUDGET – stick to you guns and only spend what you have protein Curried Eggs are making a allocated on each person. come-back! This is a dish that use to A photo of you playing framed up be popular in the 70’s and 80’s. They are for Mum! coming back into food fashion and will be the first to go at any A personalized bag with the BBQ – come on you know you love them! name embroidered on it Time: 15 minutes Books – Obviously you have You will need: 9 eggs, 2-3 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise already got all the rugby player 2 teaspoons of dijonnaise mustard, curry powder to taste books so pepper to taste, parsley flakes to sprinkle on top check this Method: Boil Eggs for 6 minutes TIP: Put hot water in a pot if one out The Good Doctor – Lance O’Sullivan you are in a hurry as it boils quicker. Run under cold water a truly inspirational kiwi story Magazine and sit in cold water to cool eggs. Take the shells off the Subscriptions – there is a magazine to suit eggs. TIP: Gently put the egg on the bench and roll everyone and it is a gift that keeps on giving it with your hand over the whole egg to all year round! break the shell - the smash and roll Swing Ball Set – this is the ultimate summer technique makes it easier to peel but classic! don’t break the egg! Cut the eggs in Personalised vouchers where you do half from top to bottom. Scoop out the egg something for someone else ie. mow the yolk with a teaspoon and put into a bowl. In a bowl, use a fork lawns, look to squash the cooked egg yolks and mix after kids, waterblast the house! in the mayonnaise, dijonnaise, curry Kids gift boxes – Grab a box and powder and pepper. Taste it to see if fill it full of fun low cost items. you are happy with the flavour. Scoop mixture The kids love the experience with a teaspoon back into eggs (can of opening up the box and be a bit fiddley). Sprinkle over being surprised about the parsley flakes. Lay on any plate or little treats inside. put in a container and you are DONE!

46 // NZ RUGBY WORLD / 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW HUNTING DIARIES WITH WHOPPA

OR THE NEW ZEALAND The deer count was a little low for the managed to bugger up the easiest HUNTER, THE TRIP OF A trip, with only a couple between the chance of the trip. LIFETIME IS TO HEAD DOWN group. The first deer title went to big Overall it was a cracking trip and I TO THE MIGHTY STEWART Carl Haymen as well. He shot it on the would recommend anybody who gets FISLAND AND HUNT THE ELUSIVE WHITE third night and we celebrated. the chance to head down there and TAIL DEER. REDS AND FALLOW DEER Ninety percent of white tails are shot enjoy a magic bit of the country. On ARE THE MOST COMMONLY HUNTED within 100 meters of the beach, as the last day of our 10 day trip, we were SPECIES, BUT KIWIS ARE SPOILT FOR they like to head down to the sand and collecting firewood to leave at the camp CHOICE WITH THE OPTION OF BEING graze on the kelp and eat the broad and I spotted a long drop. I ran back to ABLE TO HUNT WAPITI, SAMBAR, SIKA tree leaves. With this in mind we set camp yelling excitedly to all the boys AND WHITE TAILS. THE WHITE TAIL up huts all around the beaches and laid informing them of my find. They all look ARE KNOWN AS THE WHITE GHOST OF traps with the broad leaves. My hunting at me funny and cracked up - they had THE BUSH BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY partner was Glen ‘Boogy’ Horten. We been using it the whole time. I was the CRAFTY AND RARELY SEEN, A BIT LIKE fell asleep one morning and awoke to only one heading deep into the bush ME IN A CAMPAIGN. two deer running around the beach. with a shovel every bloody time! In 2007 after Super Rugby, the biggest, Much to the boys’ amusement we had loudest group of hunters ever to attack the Island made their presence felt. We should have known this group was always going to amplify the challenge Send a hunting or fishing photo and you of chasing the white ghost. could WIN $250 worth of Stoney Creek The crew was myself, Carl Hayman, Charlie Hore, Craig Newby, Glen Horten, gear of your choice! Tom Donnelly and the famous camp leader and experienced Stewart Island The good folk at Stoney Creek have given us a $250 credit for someone to spend on any hunter Mike “DOC” Dougherty. We Stoney Creek merchandise of your choice. We know you like things simple, so send us had 10 glorious days down at Port your best high resolution (that means we can print it, so need to be 300kb in photo size) Adventure, which is a three hour boat hunting or fishing photo [email protected] and the best photo wins. Winner trip from Bluff. will be contacted by email to arrange your shopping trip and the picture published in the Our camp consisted of four tents and next magazine. four tarpaulins set up for the area around the fire. We had an amazing time, we ate like kings, dining on paua, crayfish, blue CONGRATULATIONS TO BLADE THOMSON cod which we all caught off big Carl FROM TARANAKI AND HURRICANES WHO Haymen’s boat that we had down there. IS THIS MONTH’S WINNER OF THE $250 Tom and Carl are top divers so we never STONEY CREEK SHOPPING TRIP missed out.

Follow the NZRPA (NZ Rugby Players Association) on Facebook and Twitter

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW / NZ RUGBY WORLD // 47